What to do immediately when you see the transmission warning light come on
A transmission warning light that suddenly comes on is a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle's transmission.
This warning is recognized by the appearance of a gear icon with a thermometer, a gear with an exclamation mark, or a text displayed on the dashboard.
Normally, this warning does not mean that the gearbox is damaged but is more like a reminder of a harmful factor. However, if the driver continues to use the car for a long time, it will cause the gearbox to be damaged quickly, significantly reducing its lifespan.
Gear oil shortage:This is a common cause of the transmission light coming on. To fix this problem, the car owner needs to add the appropriate amount of oil for his vehicle's transmission and find the cause and location of the leak.
Overheating gearbox:Transmission overheating can occur on most vehicles and can cause the transmission warning light to come on. In this case, it is important to assess the overall level and quality of the vehicle's transmission fluid and change it according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
Error code stored:In many cases, your vehicle's transmission warning light will illuminate if a transmission-specific fault code has been stored. The exact source of such codes can range from internal transmission faults to simple electrical problems in the transmission valve body.
Required maintenance:In certain cases, the fact that your vehicle's transmission warning light is on may not actually indicate a problem. On the contrary, some automakers use this light to indicate the need for routine maintenance specific to the transmission.
What to do when the transmission warning light comes on?
If you see the transmission warning light on while driving, you should pull over to the side of the road safely. Before turning off the engine, use the dipstick to check the transmission fluid level. If there is already transmission fluid in the car, top it up but make sure not to overfill.
Next, decide whether to call a tow truck or drive yourself to the nearest service center. If you notice a serious oil leak, call a tow truck to take your vehicle to the intended repair location.
In case there is no oil leak, the driver can continue driving but should not go too fast. In some high-end cars, the manufacturer will even limit the engine speed or rpm so that the gearbox is not under too much pressure. If you deliberately ignore this and continue to use the car for a long time, the gearbox will be seriously damaged and its lifespan will be reduced.
To prevent damage, the causes of the transmission warning light need to be thoroughly diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible. Choose reputable garages with experience and specialized in transmission repair to perform the service. Because when damage occurs, repairing and replacing transmission parts is often very expensive.
The problem of the transmission warning light coming on is not only a sign of a problem but also an opportunity to perform regular maintenance. Drivers need to proactively check and handle it early to avoid serious consequences and keep the transmission working strongly. Besides, it is also necessary to regularly change the transmission oil for the vehicle to operate more smoothly and quietly.
